Our extended season of “sweater weather” means you’ve probably been using your heater a lot. Hopefully, the transition from heating to cooling has been easy. Your heater should be able to heat your home to a comfortable temperature and do so quietly so that you barely hear it running.
But what if your heater is making a commotion as it tries to do its job? We know how easy it can be to ignore strange sounds from your heating system, but you shouldn’t ignore them. Your heater is trying to alert you that something is wrong. Don’t ignore a genuine plea for help. Here are some strange noises that warrant a call to our team.
Clicking
If you hear the heater clicking in your San Juan Capistrano home, this could be due to multiple issues ranging from mild to severe.
The first possibility is that the electronic ignition system has failed. The clicking sound you’ll hear is similar to the sound of a gas burner that won’t ignite. In gas furnaces, this noise will occur when the ignition system is trying and failing to create a spark to turn on the gas jets. The ignition system will need to be replaced.
Another possible issue is definitely a cause for concern as it could indicate there’s a gas leak. When the igniter or pilot light isn’t getting gas, it’ll make a clicking noise as it tries to ignite. The gas valve could be stuck or there could be a leak in the gas line. You should shut the system down and call us for immediate repair.
If the clicking sounds occur after the blower motor shuts off, they may be warning you that there are cracks in the furnace’s metal heat exchanger. These cracks could be letting carbon monoxide gas into your home so this is another situation that warrants a shut-down of the system and a call for emergency repairs.
Squealing
High-pitched squealing is something you shouldn’t hear in your home—unless you own a pet pig. The reason for a squealing noise from your heater is the same reason you hear a squealing noise from your car: the belt has worn down and needs to be replaced. It could also be damaged bearings in the system. Either way, it’s an easy fix to replace the belt or lubricate or replace the bearings.
Grinding
Is there anything more unpleasant than the sound of metal grinding on metal? Grinding noises are usually bad news. The blower fan could be loose and is grinding or moving against other parts. There could be broken bolts that have come loose and are wedged in the blower fan or the motor which could also make a rattling noise. In either case, these should be addressed ASAP so that your heater doesn’t suffer even more damage.
Banging
A loud banging noise is hard to ignore. This could be caused by an ignition failure or pilot light issues. These are two significant problems that need professional service and, if ignored, could get worse over time.
If a noisy heater is disrupting your home, you can count on us to diagnose the problem and restore peace and quiet.
Contact Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air for Fast and Professional heater repairs. We have served Orange County since 1981.